The current state of affairs requires radical change

For global recognition, Indian universities need to transform their
methods of teaching and make them interactive, says Suranjan Das,
Vice-Chancellor, Jadavpur University, Kolkata.

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Malini Banerjee

March 23, 2018

ISSUE DATE: April 2, 2018

UPDATED: March 23, 2018 16:21 IST

Photo:Chandradeep Kumar

What are the key features that give a university an edge over others?

It is important to alter the learning process. Universities have to fundamentally change their teaching-learning method so that the creative mentality of students can be enriched. Continuous evaluation system, Choice Based Credit System (CBCS), and the participatory method of teaching can be helpful in this context. But reforms should be introduced only after proper infrastructure is created. An interdisciplinary teaching-learning mechanism needs to be developed so that research scholars do not remain confined to their specific academic interests. Instead they become inclusive citizens and agents of social change, contributing to making of India a better place to live in.

What should be the standout quality for any higher education institution?

Any higher education institution which seeks to create its niche in academics should aspire to strike a fine balance between the following four Es-expansion of contours of learning, equity to enable access of broader sections of society to higher education, excellence in teaching-learning process and employability of students.

What qualities should a student look for while selecting a university?

A student should be in a university where activities are not merely confined to classrooms and laboratories but where the teaching and learning train the student to think creatively and imaginatively in line with the country's social aspirations and demands.How do you think combining teaching and research helps universities gain global recognition?

It can be done by creating a environment of "research culture". The problem is that research activities in India are mostly concentrated within the campuses or institutions. This needs to be addressed. One of the basic prerequisites is increased funding from both public and private sectors. Research activities can only be increased if gross expenditure in research and development (R&D) is raised. Unfortunately, in India, our spending on R&D has barely crossed 1 per cent of the GDP and only 25 per cent of this comes from the private sector while private capital funding for R&D is about 55 per cent in the European Union, 67 per cent in the US and 77 per cent in Japan. Global recognition can come only if we achieve some parity with our international counterparts in this respect. Another way to enhance research is through universityindustry partnership which will help transform inventions into innovations.

Is India creating universities that we need?

Perhaps not, or even if it is, the fruits of that education are not equitably distributed. A basic weakness in our higher education system is the absence of adequate convergence between science research institutes and universities.

Centrally sponsored research institutions receive the bulk of the government's research funding, but scientists there remain isolated from the teaching processes in universities. On the other hand, the university faculty members receive a miniscule share from Central research funding and have to spend most of their time in teaching, remaining deprived of the realisation of their research potential. This state of affairs requires radical alteration so that scientists in research laboratories and teachers can collaborate to produce students who can ensure quality research.

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